Hydropolis Proposed Concept - Spacial Solutions

Hydropolis Proposed Concept
A Joint Venture of
Siemens and
Turner & Townsend

HYDROPOLIS or the Beginning of a New Era of Hotels.
The medium WATER as a basic aetiological elixir of life is of great significance. Simply the fact that man
himself consists to 75% of water, and that his well-being requires regeneration of his basic substance
“water” makes this element so significant. "Sanus per aquam" (health through water), commonly
abbreviated as SPA, is therefore not a trend, but rather an expression of health-consciousness, a
synonym for well-feeling, and of harmony of body, mind, and spirit.
With Hydropolis, an habitat will materialise for the first time worldwide which sets completely new
standards with respect to the quality of experience and living. Hydropolis provides an ambience in the
last uninhabited frontiers on earth in which a visit will be an unforgettable experience in the life of each
individual guest. The distinctiveness of this unique hotel resort results from the harmonic interaction of
the exceptional site as well as to the holistic architectural and atmospheric composition corresponding to
the site. This creates a spatial effect which detaches the guest from the routine of his daily structures of
perception and evokes unaccustomed sensual impressions.
Hydropolis is a splendid refuge far away from the stress factors of everyday business life and is ideally
suited for guests from top management seeking to regenerate their inner strength.
Hydropolis is structured in three elements: the land station, the connecting tunnel, and the submarine
complex. The land station is the reception and welcome centre for the hotel's guests. The connecting
tunnel is the lifeline of the complex and not only provides access for guests, but also enables
provisioning of the hotel with all the necessary goods. And finally, the submarine complex is the hotel
itself with its wide range of unique additional facilities.
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Location / Situation
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Situation
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Elementary Experience of „Presence“ in an Augmented Reality
� Hydropolis imparts a unique impression of distinctiveness and exclusivity; an attraction that does
not diminish after a first phase of curiosity.
� Guests from all over the world and from all cultures will be attracted by a multitude of offers,
which simultaneously address “Mind, Body and Soul” in an unparalleled manner.
� Hydropolis offers experiences, adventures, and impressions on all levels of human perception,
which in this combination have a sustained effect on thinking and sensation. All imaginable
requirements regarding luxury and service will be fulfilled as a matter of course. At the same
time, guests undergo a process in which their material needs and apparent dependencies
become less dominant as the guest comes into contact with the elementary richness of “
presence” and sensation.
� All features in the artificial reality of Hydropolis are guided by the consideration of how they will
support the path to inner tranquillity and strength.
‚Neurological System‘
‚Pace Maker‘
‚Motoric Functions‘
Cardiovascular System
Biogenetic Architecture
� As all life has evolved in water, mankind is elementarily and inseparably connected with water.
� The concept of Hydropolis offers the unique opportunity of reproducing the human organism in an
architectural design.
� There is a direct analogy between the physiology of man and the planned architecture.
� The “Lemniscate” – the figure eight lying on its side – is the key symbol for worldly wisdom. The
spaces thus created can be regarded as the spatial correlation to the essential systems of the
human organism: The nervous system, the motoric functions, and the cardiovascular system.
Offset and brought forward from the centre is the “sinus knot”, the pulse generator for all life.
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The Land Station
� The land station is the stage for the arrival and descent into
the underwater world, and, respectively, the return to land.
� A characteristic feature is a woven, dynamically narrowing and
expanding semicircular cylinder over a length of about 120 m
which arches over a multi-storeyed building and an ample
shadowed area.
� Visitors and guests will be welcomed and received through a
large gate-like opening in the form of a semicircle with a
diameter of over 35 m. A bridge over the desert sand leads to
the “island”, which offers facilities for the most diverse of
functions.
� As guests of Hydropolis enter the welcome lounge they catch
a first glimpse of the silhouette of the underwater construction;
on the lowest level of the multi-storied building they then
access the cabin of the noiseless transport system. Guests
requiring special privacy and security can access the
embarkation facility by means of a spacious ramp.
� The upper stories provide space for other important facilities
such as a cosmetic surgical clinic and a marine biological
research laboratory. This is also the location of the business
centre with conference facilities – its situation here avoids
potential hustle and bustle which might disrupt the calm and
relaxing atmosphere preferred by the hotel guests. This is also
the location of the hotel’s management and administration
offices.
� Also situated on the lower levels of this site are the staff
rooms, goods storage and loading, important technical centres
securing the maintenance and logistics of the underwater
hotel, as well as parking areas for guests, visitors, and staff.
� A special highlight for visitors at this location is a restaurant
and a high-tech cinema in which the history of underwater
architecture as well as the evolution of life in the ocean will be
shown. A viewing platform at the front opening of the spanning
roof structure allows stunning views by day and night of the
architecture and the light shows of Hydropolis.
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1. Staff changing room
2. Office
3. Technical room
4. Social room
5. Laundry
6. Storage
7. Staff canteen
8. Loading ramp / storage
9. Garbage
10. Kitchen
11. Technical room
12. Hotel guest station
13. Hotel visitor´s station (departure)
14. Hotel visitor´s station (arrival)
15. WC.
16. Hotel guest lifts
17. Waiting lounge
18. Hotel visitor´s lifts
19. Underground parking
20. Staff and goods station
21. VIPs guest entrance
22. VIPs guest reception
23. VIPs guest lounge
24. Conference
25. Hotel lounge bar
26. Hotel shop, bookstore etc.
27. Hotel staff entrance
28. Hotel visitor´s lifts
29. Lobby
30. Hotel guest station (departure)
31. Hotel guest station (arrival)
32. Seafood restaurant
33. Beach terrace bar
33. Pool
35. Garten terrace
36. Hotel entrance
37. Visitor´s entrance
38. Hotel lounge
39. Hotel reception
40. Aesthetic surgery and office lobby
41. Visitor´s centre
42. Visitor´s information
43. Hotel Café
44. Aesthetic surgery and office lobby
45. Cinema bar
46. Sea-view cinema
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Edutainment
� Hydropolis will a landmark in Dubai‘s skyline. But it is not the
physical property that creates the attraction, it is the concept
of water.
� Visitors and especially non-divers will be able to catch a
glimpse of the submarine life and will be informed about man‘s
last frontier.
� People will also be able to learn about the history of
Hydropolis, ist development and construction
� The Cinema is oriented towards the beach and has an
openable screen allowing a real life „finale grande“ of a show
by opening the screen and creating a picture frame with
Hydropolis in ist centre.
Visitors‘ Center
Cinema Theatre with openable Screen
View to Underwater Hotel
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Train system Excursion submarine
Tunnel connection
Connection system
All transports – guests, visitors, staff and goods will be facilitated by a single, highly efficient and safe
train system.
There will be a station in the landside building and a station in the underwater hotel – connected by a
double track tunnel. There will be different types of cars for different kinds of persons to be transported.
Hotel guests and visitors will be transferred by a separate type of car, specially fitted with a high-spec
interior. Staff and goods will be transferred with a second type of car, which allows to load palettes,
which will be pre-packed in the logistics center on land to minimize waiting time and storage space in
the hotel. A just-in-time and on-demand logistical system will facilitate efficient supply and disposal of
the hotel.
� The system is envisaged to be a fully automated cable propelled transportation system. The
system consists of the following main components.
� A modular, self-supporting steel guideway designed for tunneled application.
� Vehicles (operated and monitored from a central control room and run on rubber tyres for a
smooth and quiet ride)
� A fail-safe electro-mechanical system
� Automatic platform doors
� Propulsion and traction for the train is provided by the cable, instead of relying on friction between
tires and guideway. A secure and detachable grip assembly forms the mechanical connection
between the train and the cable which is accelerated, decelerated and stopped by a stationary
machine drive system. This means that there is no motor, drivetrain or other oil-dependant
devices on the train, creating a top level of security.
� The design of the station will allow the separation of different people flows.
� The system will have a flexible capacity, with a max. capacity of up to 1000
persons/hour/direction.
Port protection
Underwater Sonar Sytem
Security
Conrol Center
The three systems used are:
-Microwave field
-Electric field
-Seismic (vibration) field
� Security plays a central role both for the concept and the operation of the entire facility.
� This primarily concerns the subjective feeling of security – and this depends mainly on whether
the guests expose themselves to the thrill of this experience, and whether the dream of living and
experiencing under water overrides potential inhibitions. Experiencing daylight in the public areas
plays just as important a role as the language of design with its subjective and “reliable”
constructions. Both major and minor dome and arch constructions (e.g. arched windows) support
this requirement.
� Apart from the subjective security requirement, which must be taken very seriously, it is in fact the
technical and verifiable security which minimises risk and guarantees security. This includes
double-layered construction as appropriate as well as redundant technical systems (pumps,
power supply, etc.), an excellent system of easy to understand emergency exits in the event of
evacuation for safety reasons, highly effective control and fire-fighting systems in case of fire and
smoke to minimise danger and damage.
� A further security aspect makes Hydropolis to a unique location worldwide: Both with respect to
discretion as well as optimally controllable accessibility, Hydropolis will be a desirable location for
people requiring protection. The multilevel security system includes:
1. Protection from aerial threats by aircraft or missiles.
2. Protection from threats from the water surface or from under water.
3. Protection from unauthorised access.
4. Control and monitoring of access of personnel, hotel guests, day visitors, banquette guests,
membership guests, suppliers, maintenance and service personnel, etc.
5. Monitoring and control of parking facilities.
6. Monitoring and control of the premises.
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Prominent Silhouette in the Dubai Skyline
� The roof constructions are organically formed from the organising power line system and the
areas below, especially the hall, the ballroom, and the spa.
� The form-giving construction is supplemented with constructions to provide shade for the exterior
spaces – shadow is a valuable commodity.
� An important motto gives occasion for further significant design elements: Hydropolis will be
the first and only location in Dubai, where staying out in the open even at the summer
temperature levels will be a delight;
� This will be brought about by artificial clouds of fog, by setting air in motion over the surface of
the water in connection with the mild shade of bloating sails and artificial clouds of pneumatic
constructions.
� These constructions make Hydropolis a dynamic and alternating landmark, and will be
enhanced at night by projections and luminous effects:
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Geometric System between Symmetry and Complex Dynamic
� The basic geometric element is an eight inscribed in a circle.
� This is supplemented by various asymmetric pathways from
the basin and the hall which also serve to connect the storeys
in a ramp-like manner.
� The ballroom (nerve centre) is integrated into this endless loop
of circulation.
� Positioned next to the asymmetric pathways are spaces in the
basin which contain special functions such as restaurants,
bars, meeting rooms and theme suites.
� Special attributes of these areas is the three-dimensional
moulded shaping with interesting upward, downward, and
sideward views.
� These elements also act as an identity-giving visual focus into
the basins which compliment the surrounding suites.
� The underwater structure is not merely a vertical structure; the
subtle inclination of the primal vertical section relate to a
spherical centre still to be defined. This design also defines
the horizontal offset of the two facing room levels as well as
the slant of the façade of the hall.
Earth, Water, Sky, Cosmos, City
� References to famous buildings from various eras can enrich
the calendrical and cosmic impressions: specific staging of
predefined solar and lunar positions, incorporation of the stars
at night.
� The ballroom will have a spectacular retracting roof which,
climate permitting, will enable the staging of “open sky”
events.
� Smaller rooms can be spectacularly located above the surface
of the water thus providing a unique feeling of height and
overview.
� A sunken city, sunken garden landscapes, a view of the facing
structures, dominated by the fact that visibility under water
does not extend more 15 m and that beyond a depth of 15 m
darkness sets in.
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Ballroom
� The ballroom is situated in the most public area of the hotel.
This will allow the realisation of events in which visitors who
are not also hotel guests can participate.
� Aside from the spa, this large domed room is the only one
which in addition to its reference to water also strives towards
the sky.
� On beautiful nights, a large petal-like skylight can be opened
(even at high exterior temperatures the cool air will remain
within the volume). Thus, sound and light from outside can be
experienced.
� A further unique characteristic of the ballroom is the
panorama window to the underwater stage which allows for
special performances and also constantly visualises the
underwater experience. In addition, this area has a further
large “eye” to the central hall which can be opened for suitable
events.
� Amply dimensioned staircases, elevators, and ramps, provide
access to the ballroom which make entering and leaving the
ballroom a theatrical experience in itself.
� The ballroom is ideally suited for banquettes, theatre
performances, or large congresses. Amply dimensioned
flanking catering areas ensure that even the highest catering
requirements can be fulfilled.
� An elaborate acoustic system provides ideal conditions for any
variety of events. This also applies to the lighting.
� Smaller scale lounge-like area are allocated to the ballroom;
various bar areas in the hall, above the domed construction,
and on the beach can be accessed from there.
Spa
� The spa area imparts the breathtaking and ample
atmosphere of a Roman thermae.
� The spa area will provide new wellness methods and
facilities especially developed for Hydropolis – these
therefore will be unique worldwide.
� The health areas will be supplemented and enhanced by
methods of hydro-therapy, i.e. healing with and through
water. High quality compounds made based on special
ocean pharmacy will be used in the beauty areas.
� The individual beauty and health areas are arranged as
galleries which project far out of the domed area out over the
surface of the water.
� The liquid-sound-pool is situated in the centre, from which
guests can enjoy not only the panorama view, but also the
projections onto the calotte-shaped overhead structure. The
pool is surrounded by sculptured objects of crystal glass
which create spectacular visual impressions.
� The interior of the spa area has ramp-like gangways which
connect to the overhead outdoor area including beach
locations.
� Sail constructions provide shade on the beach which is also
cooled by clouds of fog; these are also a visible landmark
from a distance and will be illuminated by colourful
projections at night.
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View into Underwater Piazza
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Open-sky Event in Ballroom
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Spa - Dome with Liquid Sound Pool
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Hall
� The hall is the backbone of the entire facility – the central area of encounters, of orientation, and
of circulation. It represents the visible and feasible connection between the sky, the water, and
the earth. Day and night moods can be experienced here.
� This space is characterised by its impressive height, the mild penetration of light through the
membrane of the roof, and the powerful dynamic of the skeletal stone structures straining against
the water – the latter also form the roof structure.
� Galleries and pathways with bridges and water tubes apparently intersecting at random animate
the space.
� Amply dimensioned staircases, elevators, ramps, and lounges provide access to an apparently
floating ballroom. A multi-storey narrow slit the intersection of the “eight” allows the anticipation of
the fascinating spa-dome in the background.
� Water basins and fountains are integrated into the floor area. A two-layered glass construction
with kinetic lighting elements facilitates alternating projections of arabesque ornaments and gives
this space the impression of an indefinable depth.
� At night, alternating motives will be projected onto the roof membrane which can be perceived
not only from the inside, but also from quite some distance on the outside.
� In the direction of the spa, the floor level gradually ascends and thus effects a tapering off
perspective.
Restaurants, Bars and Shops
� The culinary experience has a direct connotation with the Hydropolis experience. Not only the
range of food and beverages corresponds to a great extent to the subject of water and the allembracing
concept of mental, physical, and spiritual relaxation, but also the moulding of the
architectural hull as well as the interior architecture.
� Three restaurants, each with 150 seats, provide a harmonic diversity of culinary theme worlds: the
Oriental flair of the Lebanese kitchen, the diversity and lightness of maritime delicacies, and
ayurvedic life which addresses all senses.
� The Nautilus bar arouses reminiscences of Jules Vernes’ vision of life in the deep sea, the Havana
bar with its exquisite cigars and fragrances of water pipes and heavy leather armchairs is situated
close to the water line, the Sky bar permits a view not only into the depth of the Hydropolis
organism, but also of the breathtaking skylines of Dubai and Palm Island.
� Another attraction of Hydropolis are the exclusive shops in the central hall. Most of the items for
sale have a direct reference to the subjects of the flora and fauna of the ocean: jewellery, beauty
and health products, fashion.
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Concert and Culture
� Hydropolis will be a synonym for concerts and cultural events
of the highest level in Dubai. Famous festivals will make both
the venue of the events as well as Dubai as a whole more
known.
� Art will be an integral component of the external and internal
design. This applies both to the permanent fittings as well as
the usage of this unique ambience for temporary installations.
� It is intended to address the growing group of people who
integrate the cultural component into their leisure activities,
who can afford to travel around the world to visit an exhibition,
to listen to a concert, or to have the opportunity of meeting
with artists.
� Hotel guests and visitors can watch concerts and theatre
productions featuring famous soloists and ensembles from the
arena steps which are upholstered with comfortable cushions
� Indoor concerts can simultaneously take place in the ballroom.
� The ballroom can be opened towards the hall for matinees
and thus be utilised as a stage.
� And underwater museum area provides the unique opportunity
for high-level artistic events in Dubai; this will also support the
perception of Dubai as a first-class cultural venue. A worldfamous
arts foundation could take over the trustee function for
this underwater museum.
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The Suites
� The heart of well-feeling in the underwater world are the suites. Here, for a few days, guests can
literally experience diving into another world, the life elexir of water, an element with which we are
both familiar with but also strangers to. Far away from the world of the right angle, dominated by
an atmosphere of absolute lightness of colours and materials, light and transparent fabrics,
leather, fine woods, discreet illumination with biodynamic light which adjusts itself to the moods
and the time of day.
� The interior architecture stages the view into sunken garden landscapes and a sunken city – both
by day and night the contours and the lights of facing dynamic building structures can only just be
diffusely made out. Light objects, and their slow, wavy movement impressions have both a
fascinating and soothing effect.
� For people still needing to feel comfortable with living under water, there are suites adjoining the
hall with windows opening onto the familiar world of a “street”, with daylight and the generous
proportions of a multi-storied complex.
� Individual and external “ocean-villas” in the upper area of the exterior ring have been implemented
as pressure-resistant “bubbles”; theme-suites in the elliptical island provide a number of varying
spatial experiences.
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Floor Plan Scale 1:1000
Level –3
1 Transport System
2 Arrival and Departure Area
3 Station Hall
4 Reception and Information
5 Main Hall
6 Restaurant
7 Cafe/Bar
8 View to Submarine Restaurant
9 Shops and Services
10 Central Stairwell
11 Ramp
12 Seminar Suites
13 SPA
14 Plant and Machinary
15 Ramp to Ballroom and Conference Area
16 Support Area
Administration
Toilets
Storerooms etc.
17 Kitchen
1
14
9
3
13
11 10
5
2
4
12
7
8
15
16
6
17
14
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Floor Plan Scale 1:1000
Level –2
1 Main Hall
2 Ballroom
3 Stage
4 Water View as stage backdrop
5 Foyer
6 Storage and Toilets
7 Kitchen and Toilets
8 Hotel Rooms
9 Hotel Suites
10 Kitchen for restaurant above
11 Press Area
12 Omnium Installation
13 Art Gallery
14 Water Art
15 Air Space
16 SPA
Support Rooms
Massage etc.
17 SPA
18 Ballroom Window
19 Ramp to Ballroom Gallery
8
10
11
14
9
17
5
2
6 3
7
1
18
4
15
16
19
12
13
9
8
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Floor Plan Scale 1:1000
Level –1
1 Ballroom Gallery
2 Gallery Ramp
3 Main Hall
4 Conference Rooms
5 Support Rooms for
Conference Area
Storage, Toilets, Tea
Room
6 Hotel Suites
7 Restaurant
8 Art Gallery
9 SPA Support Rooms
10 Air Space over SPA
11 Caissons
Technical Rooms
Storages
Hotel Support
12 Vertical Connecting
Units including stairs,
lift and
air-conditioning
13 Central Vertical
Connecting
14 ‘Sea Villas‘
14
7
6
5
9
11
10
13
3
12
1
4
2
8
6
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Floor Plan Scale 1:1000
Level 0
1 Concert Area
2 Stage
3 Spectator‘s Tier
4 Promenade
5 ‘Beach‘
6 Wellness Area
7 Vertical Connecting
Unit
8 Roof Structure above
9 Glazed Roof Lights
2
1
3
6
9
7
8
5
4
Theme Pavilions and Pathway
� The circular exterior corridor will have the glass skylight just
under the surface of water.
� This strip serves as a circular pathway which will be just above
the water level at low tide.
� The thoroughfare connects floating theme pavilions which are
located at a secure distance of about 70 m from the stairways.
� Themes for these pavilions are: silentium, e-library, Nautilus
docking station, bar, water pipe smoking room, women’s
leisure room. Here there is also adequate space for
contemplative prayer rooms facing East.
� Adequate vents for air intake and exhaust, and elevators for
vertical transport are incorporated onto the staircases.
� Rhythmic expansions make the exterior pathway more
interesting, both levels are connected with each other by
means of open spaces and small interior gardens.
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Floor Plan Scale 1:1000
Roof Level
The External Areas
� The unique design of the underwater areas have their
counterpart in the fine dramaturgy of the design of the exterior
areas. Three essential areas come together in the overall
concept: Concert area, promenade area, wellness area.
� Artificial and multi-functional relaxation areas replace the
natural sandy beach: Examples: Arena-like steps in the sun
and next to the water to lie or relax on – these can also be
used in the evenings as a rostrum for intimate performances
for the off-shore sea stage.
� The wellness area is connected with the promenade, the sea
stage is accessible from the external pathway only at low tide.
� Cast and ground “frozen sand” surfaces with a pleasing soft
appearance supplement the beach areas and promenades,
these consist of bright yellow sand treated with bondingagents
and cast in sculptured shapes.
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Floor Plan Scale 1:1000
Level –4
1 Transport System
2 Delivery Area
3 Submarine Restaurant
(access from level above)
4 Plant and Machinary/Storage
5 Vertical Connecting Units including stairs,
lift and air-conditioning
6 ‘Caissons‘
Various Functions:
Air-Conditioning
Storage
Staff Rooms etc.
1
6
4
2
5
3
Construction
� Floating caissons towed to the site enable the construction of
the facility in dry surroundings.
� The cavities in the caissons provide the required space for
piping and tubing, decentralised air conditioning systems,
storage and preparation rooms, restaurants and staff rooms.
� As the building gradually increases in height and weight
during the construction process, it will be gradually lowered
until it reaches its final position and will then be firmly
anchored.
� For reasons of weight the construction within and above the
caissons will consist predominantly of concrete – the visible
areas will consist of high-quality fairfaced concrete and will be
moulded dynamically and naturally along its power flows.
� This type of construction will be especially prevalent in the
grid-like skeletal structure of the dome above the hall which
will be spanned by an extremely thin translucent membrane.
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LANDSIDE m²
Parking 6.000
Train station and technical rooms 4.500
Logistics, technical rooms, kitchen 3.100
Hotel lobby and backoffie 1.600
Visitor centre, cinema, restaurant 4.700
Aesthetic surgery clinic 3.200
Office 5.500
HYDROPOLIS HOTEL m²
Technical and structural areas 24.000
Restaurants, cafes, kitchen, storage areas 5.400
Atrium, traffic area 7.100
Kiosks and shops 800
Train station and technical areas 3.400
Spa and Spa technical areas 6.700
Suites (ca. 220) 14.500
Banquet, conference, addional areas, banquet sto 6.500
Press, bar, meeting 450
Exhibition, Underwater Art 2.850
Beach area 6.000
Spectators tier 1.400
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Activity
Stage I: Concept Approval
Pre-FS Study X
Basic Concept design to scale X
Preliminary Masterplan X
Construction Timeline X
Letter of Commitment from Investors/Financ. Institution for the full cost of the project X
Investor / Promoter application form X
Presentation X
Approval by DDIA X
Appropriation of the said land for lease/sale X
Stage II: Final Concept Approval
Assessment and incorporation of feedback from Basic Concept Presentation
Finalisation of FS- Study
Finalisation of Final Concept Design
Finalisation of Masterplan
Presentation of Final Concept X
Agreement to Business Terms with the DDIA X
Agreement of Final Concept, Design and stakeholder by DDIA X
Uitilization of the appropriated land for the express and sole purpose fo the stated pr X
Stage III: Pre-Planning / R&D-Stage
Preliminary Design & Engineering
Presentation
Building Permission Planning / Coordination with Authorities
X
Submission of Building Permission Planning
Approval of Building Permission
Schematic and Detailed Planning and Engineering / Value Engineering
Detailed Planning Presentation
Tender Award
X
Stage V: Construction Phase
Marine Surveying
Preparation of Sites (Land, Sea, Connection)
Construction (Land, Sea, Connection)
Stage VI: Fit-out Phase
Technical Fit-out
Interiour Fit-out
External Works (Reef)
Stage VII: Commissioning and Pre-Opening Operations
Commissioning (Land, Sea, Connection
External Works (Reef and Marine Life)
Pre-Opening Operations
Stage VIII: Official Opening and VIP-Month
Official Opening December
2003
Mai June
Juli August September October November December JanuaryFebruar March April May June July August Septem OctoberNovembDecembJanuaryFebruar March April May June July August Septem OctoberNovembDecembJanuaryFebruar
March April May June July August Septem OctoberNovembDecemb
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
X
X
X
2004 2005
2006
X
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A Joint Venture of
Siemens and
Turner & Townsend

The harmonious interaction of extraordinary location and an architectural and atmospheric/media design that is truly commensurate to it are
what makes this unique resort hotel different.
External impact
The high-profile architecture of the Hydropolis Resort is highlighted during both the day and the night by means of multimedia. A water
screen positioned between the mainland site and the underwater hotel temporarily blocks a view of the building that breaks the water’s
surface. At night the fine spray is illuminated by colored, moving light or images projected onto it. The underwater sections of the building
likewise feature complex illumination.
The artificial cloud above the Spa area forms a permanent, spectacular landmark.
Underwater world
Within the ring shaped hotel building, a fascinating semi-natural underwater landscape is created, visible from most of the the sub-maritime
rooms. An LED matrix forms a 3D ornament consisting of dots of light, gripping the viewer both at day and at night. Illuminated glass
objects and artificial plants made of optical fibers form additional highlights. A dynamic choreography of water bubbles, swirled sand and
carefully deployed lighting effects creates a kind of “underwater fireworks”.
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Multimedia atmospheres in the interior
Motifs from traditional Arab architecture, ornamental decoration and landscaping are interpreted using
modern means, with maritime themes rounding out the overall arrangement. The different
atmospheres alter during the course of day and night, such that the building seems to be a living
organism. Varying light patterns, relaxing sounds and pleasant aromas result in an intense
experience, liberating guests from their day-to-day structures of perception and evoking multi-layered
sensual impressions.
The suggestive atmosphere calls for a contemplative attitude, of being immersed in your inner self.
The attendant spiritual clarity and enhanced sense of perception have a beneficial effect on the
physical and psychological regeneration of the hotel guests as well as on their powers of judgment
and self-reflection.
The architectural design and multimedia setting in the foyer appeal to all the senses at once, meaning
that on arrival hotel guests feel they have been transposed into a completely different world. Along the
central axis of the hall runs a walkway of illuminated water fountains controlled interactively by motion
sensors. The movement of the water and light follows that of each person walking along the path.
During the night, ornamental projections dance on the inside dome of the foyer’s roof.
All the hotel rooms have a window offering a magnificent view of the underwater world. The control
panel in the room enables guests to change the multimedia setting in front of the window and thus
give their environment a personal touch. Moreover, the spatial atmosphere of the suites can be
altered via a selection of lighting moods, sound compositions and aromas.
The sea stage is a visual eye-catcher even when there are no performances. The floating platform is
surrounded by a ring of water fountains that temporarily shroud it. During the day, the sunlight dances
in the dense screen of water, and at night the latter serves as a screen onto which images and
colored/moving light is projected.
Datum 34

Imprint
Project Development:
Joachim Hauser,
Hermann Brendell
Peter Pesenhofer
Torsten Szybowicz
Concept Design:
Siemens IBC
St.-Martin-Straße 76
D-81541 München
Tel +49.89.636-83000
Fax +49.89.636-81973
Prof. Roland Dieterle
Bernhard Brandstetter
Ilse Boll-Loibl
Maria Fischer
Petra Junkmann
Xiaotian Li
Marco Ronchetti
Silke Schwarzbauer
in cooperation with
system modern GmbH - 3deluxe
Schwalbacher Str. 74
D-65183 Wiesbaden
Tel +49.611.95 22 04-14
Fax +49.611.95 22 04-15
Peter Seipp
Nik Schweiger
Dieter Brell
Joaquín Busch
Max Diemand
Jacob Keizer
Jørn Refsnæs
Mareike Reusch
Janine Schmidt
Munich, 2003 June
Datum 35